Gael García Bernal joining the MCU feels like a long time coming.
In the last couple of years, we have seen a surge of Latine talent entering the Marvel sphere. And rightfully so. We consume this content, so of course, we should take part in it and see people who look like us in these adventures of heroism, hope, and change. We’ve seen Zoe Saldaña as Gamora, Salma Hayek as Ajak, and Oscar Isaac as Marc Spector. And now, it’s Bernal’s turn in Werewolf by Night.
Remezcla got a chance to speak with the man (and sometimes monster thanks to some really cool and practical special effects) at the center of all of this: Gael García Bernal himself. In Werewolf by Night, he plays Jack Russell, who first appeared in Marvel Spotlight #2 in 1972. Our hero joins the evening as one member of a mysterious group of monster hunters who are gathering after the death of their leader.
(If you’ve seen the trailer, you know that things don’t go well for this group and a night of mourning turns into a 1940’s monster movie.)
Personally, Bernal was excited to enter this space and be part of this change in Marvel. Not only because it’s a superhero special with a werewolf at the heart of it, but because he was joining other Latine actors who are changing the face of the MCU. “It feels great, but it also feels very natural.”
Bernal went on to say that Werewolf by Night felt like something he’s already experienced and known because it felt like stories that are part of our culture. “It’s a natural consequence of the space we occupy within our cosmovision as Latin Americans. There’s not a part of our imagination, the mythology, that doesn’t feel close to us. That’s why I feel it’s natural.”
Our very own Jack Russell went on to say that as Latine people, we have a lot of stories to tell. And this character, he’s got time on his side and there’s a lot to explore with him in this vast universe. “We have a lot to say. The person that I’ve interpreted [Jack Russell] could’ve lived plenty speaking Spanish or other languages because werewolves live for 400 years.”
Werewolf by Night is also an interesting addition to the MCU because of its connection to Oscar Isaac’s Moon Knight. Isaac’s superhero first appeared in Werewolf by Night #32 in 1975. In it, Marc Spector was a mercenary tasked with capturing the werewolf by a shady committee. And this connection had many wondering if these two would meet and if the situation would be similar to that of the comics.
For us, we were wondering who would win between Bernal’s Werewolf by Night and Isaac’s Moon Knight. And when questioned about it, Bernal had a hard time answering because of the love and respect that he has for Isaac. He said, “I don’t know. It would be a really difficult battle to win because I love him so much.”
And even though Bernal and Isaac haven’t worked together (yet) the friendship they have, when they met up, is genuine. “We’ve never worked together, but the couple of times we’ve met, he’s always been super nice and warm.” And like Bernal, we agree with the following sentiment, “I adore and love Oscar Isaac as a person and actor. He’s fantastic and it’s incredible what he does.”
Oscar Isaac isn’t the only Latine actor that we asked Gael García Bernal about.
There’s also his bestie Diego Luna, who is currently starring in the Disney+ series Andor. Back when Remezcla interviewed Luna, we asked him if Bernal would be part of the Resistance or fall to the Dark Side. In that interview, Luna was adamant that his friend would be Resistance and said, “He would never be part of the empire.”
When we told Bernal about Luna’s answer, he couldn’t help but smile and agree with his friend. He even got a little flustered before saying, “What a beautiful and generous answer.”
Our question led Bernal on a little friendship spiral about Luna and the bond they have grown over the years. While reminiscing, Bernal said, “I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, but ever since the penny dropped and I started acting…well, since Diego and I started working together…I’ve come to realize that separated we can be and do all these things that we think are good or bad.”
But when Bernal and Luna come together, that’s when things change.
According to Bernal, “When we’re together, we’re invincible. Together we’re really strong.” And over his long and ever-growing career, which will soon see both of them in the boxing drama La Máquina, Bernal is happy and grateful to have someone like Luna by his side. “I’m very grateful for the chance to work with a friend that is near and dear to me.”
Werewolf by Night, starring Gael García Bernal, is currently streaming on Disney+.
